Sometimes I wonder about that sort of thing. It's my guess that they think folks will be impressed they're seen with high dollar stuff. Others seem to think spending a lot of $$ will make them better ( fill in the blank ). Others just may not know the difference.
I still show up at different matches with pawnshop Samsonite cases for gun cases, bargain bin spotting scopes & tri-pods, 1950's & 60's shooting mat & jacket & slings. For tactical training at work, I still have a set of elbow and knee pads I got from a skateboard section of a sporting goods store. I used to be embarrassed by my cheap stuff, but when my skills got to be respectable- I quit worrying quite so much.
But I know what you mean, throwing money doesn't make a guy a pro.